Bilkis Bano: A Beacon of Courage and Resilience

Introduction

Bilkis Bano, famously known as Bilkis Dadi, is an extraordinary Indian woman from Gujarat who became a prominent figure following her harrowing experience during the 2002 Gujarat Riots. She was subjected to a brutal gang rape by Hindu terrorists while being five months pregnant. Tragically, she lost 14 family members, including her 3-year-old daughter, in the horrific incident. Her steadfast refusal to accept the Gujarat government’s offer of Rs 5 lakh as compensation reflects her unwavering demand for justice.

Personal Information

Attribute	Details
Name	Bilkis Bano
Profession	Farming and Rearing Cattle
Hometown	Gujarat
Net Worth	Not Known
Father’s Name	Not Known
Mother’s Name	Enguia Bakay Lahbib
Siblings	Not Known
Spouse	Yakub Rasool
Children	6
Awards	Ranks the Most Influential Muslims in the World in 2020
Birthplace	Hapur district, Uttar Pradesh, India
Famous For	Gujarat Activist
Nickname	Bilkis Dadi
Current City	Gujarat
Zodiac Sign	Sagittarius
Birthdate	1 January 1938
Religion	Islamic
Nationality	Indian

Early Life

Bilkis Bano was born on 1 January 1938 in the Hapur district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Despite not receiving formal education, she grew up reading the Quran Sharif, the central religious text of Islam.

Education & Career

Bilkis Dadi’s activism was not born out of a formal education but from her innate sense of justice and compassion. Her life experiences and deep understanding of humanity have fueled her determination to fight for what is right.

Achievements & Awards

Bilkis Bano, or Bilkis Dadi, emerged as a leading voice against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA), enacted by the Central Government of India. Her courage and resilience earned her recognition as one of the ‘Dadis of Shaheen Bagh’ during the sit-in protests in Delhi. She was named “Woman of the Year” in The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims for 2020. Furthermore, she was included in Time magazine’s Time 100 list of the 100 most influential people in 2020 in the icons category.

Personal Life

Bilkis Bano is married to Yakub Rasool, and the couple has six children. She draws strength from her Islamic faith and her unwavering commitment to justice. Her late mother, Enguia Bakay Lahbib, and her father, whose name is not known, played significant roles in shaping her values and principles.

Legacy

Bano’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Her fight for justice has shown that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Bilkis Bano’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of women to stand up for their rights and fight against injustice.

Conclusion

Bilkis Bano’s journey from being a survivor of the 2002 Gujarat riots to becoming a symbol of hope and strength is nothing short of remarkable. Her activism has sparked conversations about women’s empowerment and social justice, leaving an indelible mark on society.

Unknown Facts

• After the Gujarat riots, Bilkis Bano and her family had to change residences more than 10 times due to safety concerns, highlighting the lingering trauma of the horrific incident.